As new Missouri State Bears continue to get settled into their homes, many may be welcoming members of their family for a visit soon. The university’s Family Weekend kicks off Friday morning.

The university has a tentative schedule planned for the weekend, including check-in at the Plaster Student Union, Foster Recreation Center open house, Bear Wear Bingo on Friday, Family Weekend Welcome Brunch, Bear Family Tailgate, football game on Saturday, and Sparkling Sunday Brunch on Sunday.

For a full list of university-planned Family Weekend events, visit the Missouri State website.

Between these festivities, there’s plenty more to explore throughout Springfield. The News-Leader compiled a list of five places to check out while folks are here for the weekend.

More:10 unique places to stay in the Ozarks, including a cave, grain silo and 1920s gas station

Get in touch with nature at Wonders Of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium

The Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium is a part of Springfield’s Bass Pro Shops, only a five-minute drive from Missouri State’s campus. 

The majority of W.O.W. is organized into two permanent exhibitions. The Wildlife Galleries feature exhibitions like the Native American Hall, Theodore Roosevelt’s Cabin and Polar Expedition and Penguin Cove. Aquarium Adventure features the Great Ocean Hall, Open Ocean, a 360-degree circular aquarium with over 6,000 herring swimming in formation, and IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame.